BE1

'Bluebird Electric' (BE1) WLSR contender 1991.

When 12 years old, Nelson Kruschandl was given the Collins book: 'The Living World of Achievement', featuring the jet powered Bluebird car raced by Donald Campbell in 1964 on the cover.  Inspired by the feats of Malcolm and Donald Campbell, Henry Seagrave and John Cobb, Nelson decided to build and race an electric car.  He'd been helping Filching Manor Motor Museum to restore Sir Malcolm Campbell's boat, the Bluebird K3 and decided to christen his electric racing car Bluebird Electric.

The BE1 was designed and built by Nelson to challenge Roger Hedlund's 174 mph record.  Featuring 4 wheel drive and 200 hp DC synchronous motors, this was the first car to feature Nelson's patent cartridge refueling system codenamed 'Wolverine'.  Weighing in at just 1,200lbs, the driver sat astride a central cartridge tunnel, motorcycle style, facing forward.  With a drag of around .18  BE1 was thought to be capable of exceeding 200 mph.  After 6 years development, the BE1 was retired when sponsors to the project asked the designer to start building the more powerful BE2 car.

The content of this website is copyright © and design copyright 1991 and 2005 Electrick Publications. All rights reserved. The bluebird logo & names Bluebird and Blue Max are registered trademarks.  The BE2 and BE3 vehicle configurations are registered designs ®.  All other trademarks are hereby acknowledged.  Max Energy Ltd is an environmental educational charity.